WASCD Board of Directors

Kurt Krizan is cur­rently the Direc­tor of STEM (EC-​6) for the Apple­ton Area School Dis­trict. He pre­vi­ously served as the Direc­tor of Cur­ricu­lum, Instruc­tion, and Assess­ment for the Lit­tle Chute Area School Dis­trict for five years and as a mid­dle school edu­ca­tor in the Oshkosh Area School Dis­trict for ten years. Kurt is an avid sports fan and enjoys coach­ing and watch­ing his two chil­dren, Jason and Isabella, par­tic­i­pate in a vari­ety of activities.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"Join­ing WASCD has pro­vided me with an oppor­tu­nity to sur­round myself with other pro­fes­sion­als who are focused on improv­ing teach­ing and learn­ing for ALL stu­dents in the state of Wis­con­sin. I am thank­ful to be a part of an orga­ni­za­tion that helps make me a bet­ter educator."

Rob Meyer serves the Beaver Dam Unified School District as the Direc­tor of Teach­ing & Learn­ing. He has pre­vi­ously served in edu­ca­tion as a Social Stud­ies Edu­ca­tor, Assis­tant Prin­ci­pal, and Principal.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I am proud to serve WASCD as I believe in the power of shar­ing learn­ing, sup­port­ing col­leagues, and mak­ing a dif­fer­ence in kids lives through collaboration."

Ryan currently serves as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the School District of Milton. Previously he was a principal at the secondary levels, most recently at an international school in Doha, Qatar. Ryan is a strong student advocate and loves teaching the "how" of good instruction. In addition to his full-time role, Ryan does consulting work as part of Compass Educational Leadership

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

WASCD has a great opportunity to transform education in Wisconsin, and I believe we could have a major impact on the schools and students of our state. As a servant leader, I want to not only support great schools in my own community but also in the entire state. Through collaboration and with a continuous improvement mindset, this organization can be a difference-maker.

Kristi Levy is cur­rently the prin­ci­pal at Wash­ing­ton Ele­men­tary School in the Oshkosh Area School Dis­trict. Prior to her cur­rent posi­tion, Kristi served as a mid­dle and high school Eng­lish teacher and as an instruc­tional coach for Tech­nol­ogy Inte­gra­tion. Kristi has been a board mem­ber since 2019.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"As the edu­ca­tional land­scape con­tin­ues to change, the impor­tance of con­nect­ing edu­ca­tors is increas­ing and WASCD has a long his­tory of con­nect­ing edu­ca­tors around issues that mat­ter and work that is mean­ing­ful and I am excited to be part of this work."

Gayle Daniel is cur­rently an Ele­men­tary Prin­ci­pal with the School Dis­trict of Rhinelander. For the last 20+ years she also has served the chil­dren of WI as an ele­men­tary teacher, worked with Deaf & Hard of Hear­ing stu­dents, Cur­ricu­lum Direc­tor and sup­porter of all children.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"Becom­ing a mem­ber of this sup­port­ive orga­ni­za­tion was an easy deci­sion. Sur­round­ing one­self with pos­i­tive peo­ple that are ded­i­cated to improv­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties and expe­ri­ences for edu­ca­tors and stu­dents in WI will allow me to grow as an edu­ca­tional leader and deliver core val­ues that cre­ate pas­sion­ate life – long learn­ers of all ages."

Kim Brown is cur­rently the Direc­tor of Learn­ing and Com­mu­ni­ca­tion in the Oshkosh Area School Dis­trict. Her pri­mary respon­si­bil­i­ties include pro­fes­sional devel­op­ment and instruc­tional lead­er­ship. Prior to her cur­rent posi­tion, Kim served as an Ele­men­tary Teacher, Cur­ricu­lum Sup­port Spe­cial­ist, Prin­ci­pal, Assis­tant Direc­tor of Spe­cial Edu­ca­tion and Direc­tor of Early Learn­ing. Kim has been a board mem­ber since 2014.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"From my very first WASCD con­fer­ence, I was impressed with the pro­fes­sional devel­op­ment, vision of the orga­ni­za­tion, and the engag­ing dis­cus­sions. I am thank­ful to serve with inspir­ing and pas­sion­ate indi­vid­u­als who are com­mit­ted to suc­cess for all students."

Questions about our organization. Contact Me! director@wascd.org

Maria Kucharski has worked in edu­ca­tion the past 25 years within a vari­ety of capac­i­ties. She is cur­rently the Direc­tor of Curriculum and Instruction in Merton Community School District. She has also served as the Director of Teaching and Learning in Whitefish Bay, prin­ci­pal and cur­ricu­lum direc­tor in Ger­man­town, prin­ci­pal at Ket­tle Moraine, Dis­trict 4K coor­di­na­tor, K-​12 math and gifted and tal­ented admin­is­tra­tor, class­room teacher at MPS and Muk­won­ago, and finally an instruc­tional resource teacher (coach) for Elm­brook. All of these expe­ri­ences have lead to her dream of being a lifelong learner. Maria has been a mem­ber of the WASCD Board since 2010. She is cur­rently the chair of the WASCD New Direc­tors Program along with serving as WASCD's Executive Director.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"Being a life long learner means becom­ing involved in orga­ni­za­tions who feel the same about edu­ca­tion and your pas­sion. Who wouldn’t love to be around peo­ple whose beliefs are “to achieve suc­cess for each learner”? WASCD is ded­i­cated to the whole child and every child!"

Ann Franke is the Direc­tor of Curriculum & Instruc­tion for the School District of Reedsburg. She has been a mem­ber of the WASCD board since 2009 and is cur­rently serv­ing as the Chair of the Communication Com­mit­tee. Pre­vi­ously, Ann has been a high school Eng­lish teacher, Cur­ricu­lum Coor­di­na­tor, the Direc­tor of Sec­ondary Edu­ca­tion for the Eau Claire Area School District, as well as PreK-12 Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the Verona Area School District.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"Being a mem­ber of WASCD has been one of the most pro­fes­sion­ally reward­ing expe­ri­ences I’ve had. This is a pas­sion­ate group of edu­ca­tors who care deeply about the chil­dren of Wis­con­sin and the work of WASCD reflects this."

Holly Prast has been an edu­ca­tor since 1995, serv­ing as teacher and admin­is­tra­tor at all lev­els. In 2013 she earned her PhD in Lead­er­ship from Car­di­nal Stritch Uni­ver­sity. Her dis­ser­ta­tion topic was the foun­da­tion of a recent Cor­win pub­li­ca­tion, Com­mu­niy Based Learn­ing: Awak­en­ing the Mis­sion of Pub­lic Schools. Holly and her hus­band Jim are active singers/​performers and have four children.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"The tal­ents of the peo­ple in WASCD are phe­no­mal. It is a great honor to be sur­rounded by edu­ca­tors who pro­mote crit­i­cal think­ing, pro­duc­tive dis­course, and pro­gres­sive edu­ca­tional objectives."

Torrie Rochon-Luft is the principal at Hortonville Middle School and Fox West Academy. She started her edu­ca­tional career as a 3^rd-​grade teacher in Shawano then moved to De Pere and became a mem­ber of the Uni­fied School Dis­trict of De Pere for 7 years as a ³⁄₄ mul­ti­age teacher and 4^th-​grade teacher. She was a part of staff devel­op­ment, writ­ing cur­ricu­lum and served on many com­mit­tees that helped her to grow and flourish~always hav­ing a pas­sion for learn­ing, grow­ing and work­ing with kids. After 11 years as a teacher, she became an assis­tant prin­ci­pal in Menasha at Maple­wood Mid­dle School for four won­der­ful years and then moved into her role as prin­ci­pal at Sabish Mid­dle School for six years of learn­ing, grow­ing and lov­ing a staff com­pletely! She is now in the Hor­tonville Area School Dis­trict and couldn’t be hap­pier and prouder to be a part of this won­der­ful com­mu­nity com­mit­ted to nur­tur­ing all. She feels very blessed to be on the WASCD Board and being a part of the pro­gram com­mit­tee bring­ing excep­tional tal­ent and wis­dom to Wis­con­sin. She enjoys her fam­ily very, very much and especially watch­ing her daugh­ter play­ sports.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"WASCD has pro­vided me excite­ment in learn­ing over my edu­ca­tional career as a teacher, assis­tant prin­ci­pal and prin­ci­pal for the last seven years. It is a place where I can learn, take away ideas, be inspired, and develop last­ing col­lab­o­ra­tive rela­tion­ships. It embod­ies and fos­ters inspi­ra­tion, grit and tenac­ity in the ever chang­ing land­scape of edu­ca­tion. Don’t wait another minute, come and see for your­self what all the excite­ment is about!"

Nate Breitholtz is a Director of Instruction and Technology for the North Lakeland School District. Prior to his current role he as served as an Assistant Principal, Director of Instruction for CESA 8, and a classroom teacher. He has led numerous professional development sessions on MLSS both academic and behavioral, Data Based decision making, and many other areas in education and leadership. Nate has a deep passion for student engagement, continuous quality improvement, and doing what's right for young scholars. As a professional, he has been afforded opportunities to work with minds in many areas of education. This includes educational technology, lean and six sigma, instructional design, assessment, curriculum, student engagement, personalized learning, culture and climate, teacher evaluation/coaching, and many other areas.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"Anthony Muhammad says "culture always wins." I believe that this built at all levels, and as a professional, I have an obligation to both serve and learn with educators and the community to grow what is possible for our learners. Serving on the WASCD board has been a career goal of my own for years, and I greatly look forward to adding value where I can."

Adam Broten is the Director of Teaching and Learning for the School District of North Fond du Lac. He began his career as an elementary teacher in North Fond du Lac, teaching first and second grade. Later, he served the district as an elementary literacy coach/interventionist and elementary assistant principal. Adam later joined the administrative team in the Oshkosh Area School District as an elementary principal. He then returned to North Fond du Lac as a middle school principal. Adam also works part-time supporting districts and educators across the country with taking a deep dive into standards, standards-based instruction, data analysis, assessment practices, and facilitating conversations around equity/systemic racism. He enjoys being with his family, playing games with his kids, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"It's energizing to work with and learn from the many great educational minds in our state. I value continually trying to get better as a person and as a professional. WASCD provides those opportunities, not only for myself, but for all educators and leaders in our state. Ultimately, this leads to impactul learning for ALL students."

Rainey Briggs is a dynamic educator who received his bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Health Science and a minor in Corporate and Community Fitness (2000) and returned to receive his bachelor's degree from UW Madison in education (2006). Dr. Briggs received his master's degree from Viterbo University in Educational Leadership (2009) which then led to the journey to pursue his Doctorate (2018) in education from Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Dr. Briggs has served as a cultural liaison, teacher, principal, Director of Elementary Education, and currently the Superintendent in the Baraboo School District. As an African American boy growing up in poverty, Rainey quickly learned how to advocate for himself and others and has carried that passion over into his daily work. Dr. Briggs obtained his EdD from Edgewood College and wrote a dissertation entitled The Factors that Promote or Impede the Success of African American Males in a Predominately White High School. Dr. Briggs strives to bring a voice to marginalized students and families. As a principal, he collaborated with staff and families to bring the motto "Every Kid, Every Day, Whatever it Takes" at the forefront of their school and a mission to live by daily. Dr. Briggs has worked with many school districts on providing professional development around equity and cultural responsiveness. He is also an adjunct professor at Edgewood College in Madison and Viterbo University in La Crosse. Rainey is a husband to Julie, an educator herself, and the dad to three teenage daughters. When they are not in a gym or on a field, Rainey and his family enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and barbecuing.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I became involved in WASCD because this provides opportunities for growth not only for me but for all educators that believe in the work to support and provide additional guidance to leaders and educators across the state of Wisconsin. "

Tony Fron­tier, PhD is co-​author of Five Leavers to Improve Learn­ing: Pri­or­itz­ing for Pow­er­ful Results in Your School (ASCD, 2014) and Effec­tive Super­vi­sion: Sup­port­ing the Art and Sci­ence of Teach­ing (ASCD, 2011). Tony has been a mem­ber of the WASCD board since 2009, and served as pres­i­dent in 2011. Tony is cur­rently the Direc­tor of Teacher Edu­ca­tion at Car­di­nal Stritch University.

Beth Galeazzi is currently the principal at Webster Stanley Elementary in Oshkosh. Prior to her role as a principal, Beth was a classroom teacher and an elementary math coordinator.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I enjoy being involved with WASCD because it provides an opportunity for me to improve my own innovative learning and advocate for policies and practices that support quality teaching. "

Mary Gav­i­gan the Agency Admin­is­tra­tor at CESA #1 Pewau­kee. She has been a mem­ber of the WASCD board since 2001, and served as Pres­i­dent in 2006 – 2007. Cur­rently she is a Direc­tor Emeritus.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I am proud to serve as liaison to WASCD as I fulfill my role as Director of Literacy and Mathematics at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction."

Kristi Klein served as a World Lan­guage (Span­ish) edu­ca­tor for more than 23 years in var­i­ous PK-​12 urban and sub­ur­ban set­tings. In addi­tion, she has acted as a leader in var­i­ous capac­i­ties such as Cur­ricu­lum Coor­di­na­tor and Depart­ment Head in mul­ti­ple schools where she taught. Kristi cur­rently serves as prin­ci­pal of a pri­vate, Catholic school in Port Washington.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"My men­tor inspired me to attend a board meet­ing as a guest. My expe­ri­ence con­vinced me that the mem­bers and the net­work of WASCD are com­prised of a col­lec­tive group of edu­ca­tors and crit­i­cal thinkers com­mit­ted to ensur­ing that all stu­dents receive a high-​quality edu­ca­tion and achieve at high levels."

Eric currently serves as the Director of Learning and Assessment for CESA 6. He has been working with school data for many years and provides consulting in ACT, Aspire, Forward and all local assesments. He also is the lead for the CESA 6 Learning and Assessment Center, a collaborative network of curriulum directors and data leaders from districts across the state.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"The professional development provided by WASCD is a valuable resource for all Wisconsin schools. This is a great think tank organization with like-minded people working hard to help Wi schools! "

Andrea Reichenberger is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Fond du Lac School District. Her educational career path began in the Menasha Joint School District as a library media specialist, classroom teacher, literacy coach, and coordinator. She then joined the Ashwaubenon School District curriculum leadership team as the District Literacy Coordinator. Andrea has taught every grade, 4K through the graduate level, in some capacity. She was an original member of the Literacy Coaching Collaborative through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and is an adjunct professor for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. When the weather is nice, you will most often find Andrea floating in her pool reading anything published by Solution Tree, ASCD, or on the topic of equity in education.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I became involved in WASCD to continue to connect and learn from my colleagues from across the state. I look forward to working with WASCD and its members with the shared goal of becoming better learners for all of our students. "

Kelly Ryder has been the Director of Curriculum and Programs for the Hayward Community School District since 2017. She also serves on the State Superintendent's AODA Advisory Committee and on the Accountability Advisory Group for DPI. Prior to her working at Hayward, Kelly worked at CESAs 11 and 12 supporting northern Wisconsin schools in areas such as educator effectiveness, curriculum, safe and healthy schools, and school improvement. Kelly also worked as a member of the state's WISExplore team, leading school teams in data-informed continuous improvement processes. Kelly started her career as a high school social studies teacher in the Cumberland School District in 1996.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"I became involved in WASCD for many reasons. In northern Wisconsin, where I work, very few schools are fortunate enough to be able to have a Director of Curriculum. As I learned my new role, it was important to me to be able to network with others that had similar roles across our state. I also believe that the role of curriculum is changing and I am excited to help to lead that change in our state. "

Kelly Seichter is the Direc­tor of Cur­ricu­lum & Instruc­tion for the White­wa­ter School Dis­trict. She is cur­rently serv­ing on the WASCD Pro­gram Com­mit­tee. She’s pre­vi­ously been an ele­men­tary prin­ci­pal in the Min­eral Point School Dis­trict, the Read­ing Spe­cial­ist and Gifted/​Talented Coor­di­na­tor for the Mon­roe School Dis­trict and has had the plea­sure of being a class­room teacher in all grades K-​6 across sev­eral school dis­tricts.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

“WASCD is an impor­tant orga­ni­za­tion whose mis­sion goes to the heart of the impor­tant work edu­ca­tors do. Being a part of this wor­thy net­work has ben­e­fited me greatly. Not only have I gained col­leagues to net­work with across the state, but I also have the oppor­tu­nity to con­tribute to the greater edu­ca­tional community.”

Chris Van Hoof has been a mem­ber of the WASCD Board since 2006, where she par­tic­i­pated on the Pro­gram Com­mit­tee before being elected as Pres­i­dent in 2011. She is cur­rently on the board as the his­to­rian. Chris retired in 2021 from CESA 8 as the Direc­tor of Cur­ricu­lum, Instruc­tion, and Assess­ment (CIA). Prior to her last posi­tion, she was a direc­tor of CIA and a high school Eng­lish teacher for 28 years. Chris has served on a vari­ety of Wis­con­sin State Tasks Forces, par­tic­u­larly those involv­ing ELA.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?

"A friend tapped me on the shoul­der and encour­aged me to join. He believed WASCD had some great things to offer me, and I had a few skills to offer to WASCD in return. He was absolutely right. I’m really glad I lis­tened to him!"

Dr. Peter Wilson is a leader and educator with a passion for equity and excellence. Throughout his career, he has experience at all the different levels of a school system. Currently, he is the Director of Administrative Services for the DeForest Area School District in DeForest, Wisconsin, a suburban district of Madison, Wisconsin. Previously, he served as Director of Student Services for the Stoughton Area School District in Wisconsin. He has also served as middle school and elementary principal. Prior to his administrative roles, Dr. Wilson served as classroom teacher, mentor and high school tennis coach in the Waunakee Community School District. Peter holds a PhD and MS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, he has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University.

Why did you become involved in WASCD?